One of the best surprises of moving to Barcelona has actually been getting to know some of the Gimme Some Oven readers that live here in Barcelona. Case in point — my new friend and long-time blog reader, Laura, who graciously agreed to come and help us with today’s new vid.

The first week that we moved here, Laura reached out over Instagram to welcome us to town and offer to help with anything we needed in the city. And through our texts, I quickly realized that she was an absolute gem. And me — being the American I am — asked if she might want to go grab a cup of coffee and hang out. And of course her — being the Catalan she is — suggested instead that we go grab chocolate and churros and hang out. Which was clearly the better idea. 🙌

So we did. And she was awesome. And in between bites of sugary churros dipped in the richest chocolate I’ve ever tasted (soooo rich, in fact, that you literally have to “thin it out” with a brick of whipped cream on top…which is a story for another day), we found ourselves talking about our plans for the holidays this year. Barc and I had already heard some about el Dia De Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day or Epiphany), which is the main holiday celebrated in Spain on January 6. But I asked Laura if there were any traditions that also happened here on Christmas Day on December 25. To which she responded with this mischievous twinkle in her eye, “Well…you do know about Caga Tió, right?!”

We did not.

But oh boy, we are so glad that now we do. 😂 Because of all quirky gift-giving traditions on Christmas around the world — and let’s be honest, coming from a country celebrating a bearded dude from the North Pole who has reindeer drive him all over the world, keeping tabs on everyone’s behavior all year, breaking into houses and eating cookies and leaving presents under trees (and making me cry in my first Christmas photo) — we’ve gotta give Catalonia props. Because their infamous log that “poops” presents for all of the kids in Catalonia each Christmas is just about the best thing ever.

So for anyone else unfamiliar with this centuries-old Catalonian tradition, here’s the scoop. (He, literally. 💩)

Be sure to check out our other videos about our first Christmas in Barcelona too, including:

Again, you delight me with your posts from Barcelona. Being of Spanish descent but never having visited my ‘Madre Patria’, I learned many traditions from my maternal grandfather, who emigrated by himself to Puerto Rico at age 11 to escape the poverty and conditions of sheepherders in Asturias. Although Catalanes & Asturanios were bitter enemies, he made many friends for life in Puerto Rico from Catalanes. I remember their contests flinging poems at each other, each in their native tongues, and was amazed that somehow they still understood each other. This is where I learned much of the Spanish traditions and folklore as well as my love for the food and culture. I had forgotten about Caga Tió through the many years of not sharing the culture with family. You’ve refreshed fond memories and for that and loving the culture I thank you. Well, and of course your fun blogs and excellent recipes too.

What a wonderful tradition! I love that you are sharing these videos with us. When they are done, I always have a smile on my face, especially for this one. I’m delighted that I’m getting to learn more about one of my favorite places we have visited. My husband enjoyed this video also.

That was your cutest video yet!! I laughed out loud when your fur-baby was hitting Caga Tío and even harder when he was giving Caga Tío the margarita and chips and salsa. So funny!! You guys are too cute!

Oh my gosh, you made my day with this adorable video! I can feel another family tradition brewing around our here for 2018. Watch out South Carolina, we are about to have a pooping log at our house. Thank you Ali and Barclay!

When we were in Barcelona a few weeks back, I kept seeing these wood “dogs” wondering why these strange wood crafts were so popular, LOL!!! WHO KNEW? And I had no one to ask as I didn’t want to be insulting. Hahahahaha!

So THANK YOU for clearing that up and doing it in such an enjoyable way. Laura is fabulous! Your videos are fabulous! Hugs!